Gone but not forgotten: Brandon Kimber

Brandon Kimber lost his life the night of Aug. 16 in the Crandall Canyon mine while aiding in the rescue efforts for the six trapped miners.

Kimber, 29, of Price, was born at Allen Memorial Hospital on June 22, 1978 to Golda Jean Christensen Kimber and Doyle Ray Kimber.

At the time of his death, he unselfishly threw himself in harm's way to save another miner, resulting in injuries that took his life. Brandon loved life. His family and friends were the most important things to him. He loved his job and what he did at the mine. He loved leading men into the mine everyday, supervising their work, and making sure they returned home safely to their families. To hear that Brandon risked his own life to save another will come as no surprise to any of us.

Brandon was born and raised in Moab, Utah, where he lived most of his life before moving to Price to make a better life for his family in the mines.

Brandon excelled in all sports that he played and always loved a good challenge. He graduated from Grand County High School in 1996. He was an avid golfer, who especially loved golfing with his father, brothers, and friends. He loved to bowl, spend time with his three children at the park or just watching movies. He enjoyed riding motorcycles as often as he could.

Brandon had three young children Bryton, Paxton, and Payton with his ex-wife, Kristen.

Brandon had four brothers, Scott (Michelle), Steve (Shelly), Kevin (Lisa), all of Ogden, Utah, and Shannon (Victoria) of Price; two sisters, Brenda Glover (Chuck) of Ogden, Utah, and Melinda Mayberry of Moab, Utah, and many, many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Brandon also leaves behind a girlfriend, Christina Shumway, and many other friends. Brandon, our son, brother, father, and friend: you will be missed. We know God holds a special place in Heaven for heroes such as you.

Private funeral services were held at the family cemetery on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Moab.

Words spoken for Brandon at the memorial service in Huntington on Sept. 9 included: "Brandon Kimber was our superman, he was born in Moab and graduated from Grand County High. He was 29 years old. Everyone loved Brandon. He was adventurous. He married Kristen Tiller on Aug. 4, 2001. They had three children, daughter Bryton and twins, Paxton and Payton. Brandon was an attentive father and loved being a daddy. He loved mining and driving the equipment. He would tell of his adventures with Bird, Don, Bodee and Benny. He performed his job well and was proud when he became a boss. His daughter said he was like a superman, 'only he couldn't fly.' Brandon was always willing to do anything for anyone. He was a true angel."